(a) Each counselor employed under the provisions of this act shall have the following duties: (i) He shall make a complete social and background investigation of all persons referred to him by the court. This investigation shall include past violations, family background, present source of income and family status. It shall include a written recommendation as to disposition of the offender by the counselor, which shall be submitted to the court prior to sentencing: (A) The investigation may be waived by the offender unless the court specifically requests it; (B) Special attention shall be given to minor offenders in the effort to rehabilitate them toward responsible citizenship; (ii) He may make social history investigations where requested by judges in cases where minors are involved. In such cases he may assume authority where the offender is placed on probation by the presiding officer; (iii) He shall furnish to each person released on probation and placed under his supervision a written statement of conditions of the probation or parole and shall instruct each of his charges thereon. Each counselor shall keep informed concerning the conduct and conditions of each person in his charge by making regular personal visits, and in other ways he deems necessary or advisable; (iv) A written report shall be submitted periodically on each person under the counselor's supervision to the department of corrections or, as appropriate, the department of family services and a copy shall be sent to the judge having jurisdiction of the case; (v) He shall advise and counsel his charges and encourage steps in the direction of rehabilitation and good citizenship. (b) All case records shall be confidential.